Some people don't understand that if Ray is still with the Celtics, it will be Ray instead of Bradley in the game in the last 5 minutes of the game. No coach will bench Ray in the last 5 minutes of the game. Right now the Heat are finding out how it feels having Ray on defense.

It's not just Doc who won't sit Ray on the bench. Even the Heat can't sit Ray on the bench. When Ray is out there it would be playing 4 vs. 5.

The Heat trailed by as many as 21 points in the 3rd qtr. There was no answer for Al Jefferson. When the Jazz were on their heels and Al Jefferson couldn't score anymore in the 4th, the Jazz turned to Hayward who was being guarded by Ray.

Also, the Heat only had 23 total rebounds the whole game and had 0 2nd chance points.

The teams that are taking care of the Heat this year are the teams with bigs. That is why we need to add one more quality big player. We would need him against the Bulls as well as they are loaded with bigs. Not as many as last year but still are physical.

As usual, people around here tend to go off the deep end a lil too early. This Celtic team may take a while to gel with all the new pieces but by seasons end, (with a healthy Bradley) we will have long forgotten about Ray Allen and embraced his resurgent replacements Mr's Lee and Terry. Don't forget that with a full 82 game schedule, the depth on this team will really show as the season progresses. Much like I had to talk Patriot nation off the ledge after the 1st 5 games of the season, I must now be the voice of reason amoungst a crew ready for mutiny......

My opinion; if Avery Bradley had been healthy last year the Celtics would have won the NBA title.

At this point the Celtics should end up being a better team than the team (healthy Bradley, Allen with the Celtics) which easily could have won the title. Downside is another year on Pierce and KG. Upside is an improved roster with the emergance recently of Green and Sullinger, Lee, and Terry. I don't think Allen is missed at all, he was a wash bordering on a liability last year, and I'm sure the vast majority of Celtics fans wanted Bradley on the floor as much as possible.

"The teams that are taking care of the Heat this year are the teams with bigs. That is why we need to add one more quality big player. We would need him against the Bulls as well as they are loaded with bigs. Not as many as last year but still are physical."

Agreed -though keep in mind that Rondo/Bradley will also cause serious matchup issues for the Heat on the small/speedier side, and they can't counter as well with Wade if he is gimped up.

"I also think it's a blessing Ray left for South Beach

"It's obvious now that Avery Bradley was not a mirage , he is the 2nd best/most important player on the team behind Rondo"

most important could still be Garnett but get your point. All those whining about Ray forget that Ray left because he didn't like coming off the bench for Bradley. No question Bradley deserves to start.

"And if nothing else, Terry, Lee and Barbosa are 3 very attractive assets to have this time of the year.

The Barbosa Card is the one that intrigues me the most. He has major value at minimum wage and might be the asset that closes a blockbuster deal."

True - Barbosa could have real value to a contending team. I don't think our asssets are enough for a blockbuster but we don't need a blockbuster, just a very good big.

Fierce as you know I agree with you on Ray Allen but if we are asking those who are feeling sorry for themselves Ray is not on the team to stop posting their crud we should stop posting on Ray Allen also....